Fedor Speaks On Contract, Opponent

Fedor Emelianenko will make his long-awaited return to the cage this December, competing in the main event for the New Year’s Eve card put on by Rizin Fighting Federation.

Emelianenko, who caused waves by letting it be known he wanted to compete again, was rumored for the UFC or even Bellator. Instead, he landed with Nobuyuki Sakakibara, the former leader of Pride FC.

Recently in an interview with rsport.ru, “The Last Emperor” offered a few details on his future in the fight game.

“(We agreed on a) certain number of fights until the end of next year,” he said. “But that will depend on the performances. Depending on the outcome, I will think of what to do next.”

Emelianenko (34-4) turned 39 in September and sports a three-fight win streak to his credit, but has not competed since 2012. He knocked out Pedro Rizzo that year after 2011 wins over Satoshi Ishii and Jeff Monson.

As for who his opponent might be in December, Emelianenko stated “The Japanese side is still negotiating with several fighters and his name is still unknown. But there is still time.”